Formaldehyde and Aldehyde Antimicrobials FAQ

Formaldehyde and Aldehyde Overview

Formaldehyde is the most basic form of aldehyde representing this class of antimicrobials. Formaldehyde and aldehydes can be volatile at room temperature leading to the odor commonly associated with preservation of tissue or tissue samples such as in laboratories, hospitals, and mortuaries.

As a class of antimicrobials, formaldehydes are known as reactive antimicrobials, in that their predominant mechanism of action for controlling microorganisms is to react with peptides and proteins. As this reaction progresses throughout an organism its biochemical processes become increasingly impaired and the organism dies. This mechanism makes aldehyde types of chemistries very potent for all types of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, algae and viruses. It also makes this type of chemistry problematic for use around human tissue. Very selective and stringent guidelines must be followed to manage the appropriate use of aldehyde chemistries.

Given the efficacy and utility of these types of chemistry, manufacturers of aldehyde based antimicrobials have undertaken strategies to produce larger compounds, that when in the presence of water will break apart (hydrolyze) and release monomers of formaldehyde or aldehyde containing groups. These molecules can then provide the antimicrobial actions needed but avoiding some of the health, safety and stability issues with formulating the formaldehyde molecule.

Aldehyde Uses

Due to its tremendous versatility and broad spectrum efficacy, aldehydes are used as in antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, sporicide, antialgal, and protozoacide applications. It is even used against macro-organisms such as mollusks and other invasive species. Aldehyde chemistries are one of the most broadly used in industry. These chemistries are used as medically registered high level disinfectants, used in animal bio-security for maintenance and to control of viral outbreaks, and as preservatives for cosmetics and personal care products.

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